Bullies3

15 hours ago, jtdlmc said:

Yes it was part of the NCL pre cruise package.  We had four buses which left 15 minute apart starting at 11 a.m.  There will be an NCL rep sitting in the hotel lobby when you arrive at the hotel.  I believe there is someone there all day and evening.  You check in with them and you will be assigned a bus time.  

OK.  Thank you!

On 2/12/2023 at 8:16 PM, jtdlmc said:

We were on the January 26 sailing out of Colon.  We arrived at 1:30 via NCL shuttle from the hotel.  We waited 3+ hours in line to board.  It was hell in 90 degree heat.  Those who arrived around 11 were on the ship in about 40 minutes.  

Was the shuttle from the pre cruise package at the Panama Hilton ?  What was the shuttle pick up time?

Thanks!

Also cruising the Panama Canal in March 2023.  Still trying to get clarification from our PCC on transfers from the Panama Hilton to the cruise port in Colon.  According to NCL's website transportation IS included however this seems difficult for NCL to confirm....  The NCL rate for the Panama Hilton is $250 per night for my wife and me.  I also have a reservation direct with the Hilton for $160 per night which I'll cancel once I get the clarification on transportation to the cruise port.  I figured I'd rather go with NCL transportation as opposed to booking privately since we've never been to Panama and didn't want to risk getting ripped off for the approx. 1 hour ride to the pier.  FYI, it's about a 20 minute ride from Tocumen airport to the Hilton.  Private transfer is around $25.  

Chesneygirl, we were on the Escape out of Miami in March. Used Larry's limos which was a great experience - around $95 each way including tip.

http://www.larryslimo.com/contact.html

Prior to getting off the ship in the first group via the Haven concierge the driver from Larrys called my cell advising she was in the waiting lot and to call her as soon as we got through customs. I called after customs and she was waiting for us at the pick up area.

We were at FLL by 9am for our 11:45 flight. No worries, do it.

Have a great cruise!

Thanks for the replies everyone!

In September we're taking our 2 1/2 year old daughter on a package staying three nights in Disney followed by a 7 night Disney cruise. Our travel agent just told us that the included Disney shuttles do not allow car seats on them. We have to decide if we want to hold our daughter for the approximately 45 minute ride from the airport to Disney and then to the cruise port or pay for private transportation that will permit a car seat. Has anyone else been told this and if so did you hold your child on the shuttle? Thanks for any input!

I don't know which cruise you're citing for the jump of $3k vs. $15k. In any case my wife and I choose the Haven for the tranquility and overall (in our opinion) a nicer cruise experience. I've been cruising, mostly on NCL since 1988. Over the years we've traveled with our daughters and other family members as the kids were growing up. At that time there was no Haven but we wouldn't have used it anyway as the kids wanted to be around the crowds on the pool deck and participate in the events. Back then there were 2 formal nights on a 7 day cruise. Now quite a few people choose to look and act more like spring breakers which we don't care to be around. We could move to a more upscale cruise line however over the years we've racked up a lot of Latitude points so we choose to stick with NCL. Again choices.... Anyway if you've never been in the Haven it's very hard to explain.

You'll get a ton of opinions and there's been quite a few threads concerning the same question. Whatever you decide it's all good.

We've been on the Breakaway and feel that you'll have a great time. In the past when our daughters were younger we cruised in adjacent balcony rooms and had a blast. They made friends on each cruise so this will be a good cruise for that as it will be packed with kids. In Port Canaveral we did the everglades tour via air boat, after the boat ride a local exotic animal rescue put on a show, showing snakes, crocodiles, etc. with a picture taking session after. At your kids ages they may enjoy this. As far as nickel and diming, there's a number of threads of people's perceptions on this. Basically, other than the service charges you pay additional for whatever you want. No one forces you to do anything. Enjoy!

Really enjoying your objective review danny. We'll be on the Escape in March with spa access. Keep up the good work!

We're on the March 3rd Escape cruise and noticed that too. As the other poster noted it's because of the change of itinerary. There will be a lot of other ships in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Nassau so I'd assume there's not many additional tour operators available. Through the message boards on CC I've read other's suggestions and booked our own beach club in Grand Cayman privately. I'd suggest you do the same to decide what you'd like to do in the various ports. Some more excursions may show up but there's no guarantees.

I remember Carlos, he was the best; also liked Patrick

Carlos was our first concierge when we moved up to the suite/haven class rooms and definitely set the bar. This was on the Pearl in Alaska. When told that it was my wife's birthday and we wanted recommendations for dining in Victoria BC he asked what type of food we liked and he took care of the rest. Ended up with a reservation at a great Italian restaurant with our own fireplace next to our table. We had him again on the Gem out of NYC. He remembered us right away and again was amazing, stopping by our room every evening asking how our day was and if we needed anything. Others on the mega ships have been so so but I understand their workload dynamic is much different. Actually the assistants have been much more personable that the main concierge.

Anyone know what ship Carlos is on now?

Unless you've experienced the Haven before it's hard to explain. I do agree that if it's a port intensive cruise the Haven may not be the best bet. My wife and I cruise twice a year and could probably cruise 4 times a year if we were to book a balcony room. Once you've experienced all the perks of the Haven it's difficult to go back though. You'll get quite a variety of opinions on this topic pro and con but give it a try and you'll know for sure!

Either way, happy cruising!

You'll get as many opinions of suite vs. non-suite here similar to the water bottle issue.... BTW, love the Gem!

For my two cents: I'd be hesitant to book a non-haven suite for a Caribbean cruise due to still having to deal with the masses on the main pool deck. There's nothing like the tranquility of the Haven pool and deck area.

I purposely booked a non-haven suite on the Pearl to Alaska as I love the perks of the suite life but didn't feel we'd use the pool area as there's so much to see in Alaska. For the Gem I booked an owners suite (1004) to get the use of the Haven pool area.

I'm sure you've seen the warning of others; once you book a suite it's hard to go back. I'd recommend as another suggested; get a price on a Haven suite for comparison. If you can swing it, do it! Waiting too could be beneficial but it's also a crap shoot that Haven suites could sell out.

Been though the life issues you describe. Life goes on and things will get better in time. I wish you the best.

Whatever you decide enjoy your cruise!!

Once again the negative reviews for the Breakaway are rolling in. I understand it is easier to post a negativity but why so many?

 

With just over 2 months to our cruise on the Breakaway (1st timers) please please will people start posting positives. I cannot and will not believe that there are no good points.

 

BTW our time for embarking in New York is shown as 12.00 - 12.30 pm. I assume this means we can turn up, do the necessary check-in and board or will we still find ourselves in a long line of people who have just simply turned up?

My wife and I were on the BA on the 9/18 sailing. We had a great time and loved the multitude of things to do on the ship. We travel a few times a year whether it be an all inclusive, resort or cruise. I read tons of reviews prior to our trips and have learned to pick up tips and filter out the total negative reviews. As others have said, go into your cruise with an open mind and let the experience unfold. No vacation is totally perfect however I believe NCL does it's best to give you a good experience. I've been cruising with NCL since 1988 and have never had an overall negative experience.

Enjoy!!

I just did it upsold to a haven aft balcony for $500 pp for the 10/22 Escape sailing! Hope I wont regret it on deck 9. Anyone stayed in haven on this deck before?

Just off the BA in suite 9916. Best suite on the ship in my opinion. Yes, a hike to the Haven but we enjoyed the walk. My wife loved the bathtub with a cup of tea in the afternoon while looking out the back of the ship. The shower also had a full length window to watch the aft of the ship while showering. As many have said the balcony is massive. We spent lots of time out there listening to the sounds of the water while being served by our butler. We didn't hear any noise from the deck below. You will feel vibration when the ship is docking or leaving port. Another big thing we liked is that it was only one flight of stairs down to deck 8 which has a number of bars, shops and entertainment venues.

Good deal - enjoy your cruise!!

But you haven't bought it! You have been given something that has cost $200! I am absolutely fascinated reading this thread!

 

 

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You're fascinated - I have a headache...LOL. What a group of people that have all the answers to the logistics of a cruise and the navigation of a megaship....

You'll get tons of answers on this one as people view tipping very differently. My wife and I were on the 9/18 BA cruise. My wife was in the restaurant industry for 44 years so we understand their jobs, notice good service and tip better than most. During our cruise we ate at the Haven restaurant for most meals, the whole team became our family as we spoke with them and got to know them. We tipped the hostess $25, Matre d' $50 and $5 to the server for each meal. We tipped the courtyard attendant $50 as he was always around serving us drinks, snacks and even came around with a cool down spray bottle on hot days (and yes he serves drinks under the UBP plan). We hung out before dinner and after the show at Maltings, tipping the bartender $10 each night as his service was outstanding. We also tipped the server in Fat Cats a few dollars for each round. All tips were in cash.

You could order anything from the Haven restaurant at the courtyard tables for breakfast and lunch. Didn't see them being used for dinner.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your cruise!

Hope you guys enjoyed the cruise!!!

YES, loved it. Thanks!

Prepare for a few hundred posts by the bottled water huggers! Coming in 3.....2.....1......

 

 

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HaHa, I too am waiting for the rush of "hate posts" on this topic. My wife and I were also on the 9/18 BA cruise.

Great choice. Enjoy!!

My wife and I have stayed in OS 1006 on the Gem and absolutely loved it. As others have mentioned, the two balconies (front and side) allow you to be outdoors as much as you want. We also loved the front balcony, looking out over the bow. We never felt any different than anyone else in the Haven and we went there every day. Our concierge (Carlos) took very good care of us, visiting every evening to see if we needed anything. It was a little bit of a hike to get to the Haven but it didn't bother us.

Some like to be in the middle of things while others prefer the quiet. I'd take 1006 again in a heartbeat!

Whatever you decide I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Great positive review, thanks for sharing. We'll be in an H6 room on the 9/18 cruise and appreciate the information you provided.

Great positive review, thanks for sharing. We'll be in an H6 room on the 9/18 cruise and appreciate the information you provided.

As I said I had a great time on this cruise, but there were some things missing I would know to look out for in the future in the Haven. First- when our concierge took a group of us up to the Haven, there was no mention of what you could expect, or a tour of the area. We just got to the lobby and were left there. No big deal to me, I'm better on my own. Maybe it depends on who you get, but I expected a little more. When it comes to the butler- write up what you want from your butler and make sure they understand what you need. I had pre-arranged a number of things on the phone, but the most important- a pot of coffee every morning in my room didn't happen. I did not meet my butler until the day before we left. Now, obviously, I could have sought him out but I didn't. My son saw him on day 1 in the room. He brought some food in and left. The next morning there was no pot of coffee so I just went to the courtyard and got it myself. (3 cups for dear hubby each morning). I was busy the first two days trying to straighten up the keycard mess I mentioned in my first post of this thread and I wanted to spend time on the sundeck, not looking for cruise personnel.

 

I never got a card about breakfast or choices for breakfast. There is nothing in my Haven cabin that explained what choices you had or what was covered concerning room service, movies, etc. Good thing I was here prior to the cruise and knew what you could get but they should do a better job of letting you know what is available.

 

My butler never introduced himself or stopped by when we were in our cabin until the night BEFORE we were leaving. What is up with that? He purposely stops by in the hall as I'm going in the room and says "Good Evening" . I ask my son "Is that the butler?" The kids met him day one, and one afternoon when they ordered room service and we weren't there. He did bring snacks each day, but my husband and I never saw him. The last morning, I asked my concierge who the butler was so I could tip him- (yes, I still tipped, although not as much as I would have if we had utilized him more).

 

This is just a heads up to do your homework and be communicative if there are things that are important to you and you expect from your butler.

 

If you want to know the menus for the Manhattan Room or the specialty restaurants, ask the Concierge. He can get the menu for you.

 

I'll get to our Bermuda port experiences soon.

Enjoying your review and observations of the Haven, concierge and butler. From our past experiences we've had great and not so great concierges and butlers. I'd think they know that their tip reflects the effort they put into their job. With that said, we've never not had our butler come and introduce himself on the first day. That seems very odd, maybe too many rooms or last cruise before his vacation??

Hi, we were on the same cruise. We were in Aft Penthouse on deck 11. It's a long walk to the Haven but worth it. Anoop was great. He got us dinner reservations in Blue Lagoon the same day. We had two tickets to Saturday's Cirque dream jungle

Show, we needed 4 more for my son, daughter in law and 2 kids. He got them also. The Haven was great, Bermuda was great, the weather was great. Know what? I had a great cruise.

 

 

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Thanks for the heads up re: the walk to the Haven. We're in an aft penthouse on the 9/18 cruise and thought we'd like the exercise to walk off the food! Glad you enjoyed your cruise, it's refreshing to hear instead of all the negative stuff people choose to highlight....